Fickell Uncertain About Return Amid Five-Game Skid

Wisconsin football coach Luke Fickell says he has not been told whether he will return next season and is focused on the current campaign, acknowledging that if expectations aren’t met “anything can happen.” Athletic director Chris McIntosh sent a letter to season-ticket holders saying the university will increase investment in the football program to “provide our coaches the tools necessary to succeed,” and publicly expressed belief in Fickell while noting the season has fallen short of standards; McIntosh did not directly address Fickell’s future and reportedly spoke with players about the situation. The Badgers are 2-5 (0-4 Big Ten) and have lost five straight games by an average of 25.2 points, including consecutive shutouts — 37-0 to Iowa and 34-0 to No. 1 Ohio State — the first time Wisconsin has been scoreless in back-to-back games since 1977. Fickell said McIntosh’s support and honest conversations have helped him stay in the right frame of mind. Despite the AD’s pledge of increased resources aimed at long-term improvement, uncertainty about Fickell’s job status remains amid mounting performance pressure.